Summary
The Time Delay feature in Wati's Advanced Chatbot Builder allows you to introduce a delay between chatbot messages or actions. This helps improve the user experience by spacing out responses instead of sending multiple messages at once. This feature is available only in the Pro and Business Plans. If you are on the regular plan, you can build and save chatbots with time delay nodes, but you cannot use them as Keyword Actions or Default Actions without upgrading. If you attempt to do so, a pop-up will prompt you to upgrade your plan.
Instructions
Advanced Chatbot Builder is available in the Pro & Business Plan only.
What Is the Time Delay Node?
The Time Delay Node allows you to pause chatbot execution for a set period before the next message or action occurs.
Why Use Time Delay?
Prevents overwhelming users with too many messages at once.
Improves engagement by making conversations feel more natural.
Helps space out notifications or updates over time.
Example Use Case
Consider a chatbot sending three consecutive messages:
"Welcome to our support system!"
"You can ask me anything about our products."
"How can I help you today?" Without a Time Delay node, these messages are sent instantly. Using a Time Delay node, you can introduce short pauses between each message, making the conversation feel more natural.
How to Add a Time Delay in a Chatbot
Follow these steps to add a Time Delay node in Wati’s Chatbot Builder:
1. Open the Chatbot Builder
Go to Automation ⤑ Chatbot.
Open an existing chatbot or create a new one where you want to add a Time Delay node.
2. Add the Time Delay Node
In the left panel, select the Time Delay node.
Drag and place it between the chatbot messages or actions that should be delayed.
3. Configure the Time Delay
Click the ⋮ (three-dot icon) on the Time Delay node and select Edit.
Set the desired time delay (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.).
Click Save to apply the changes.
Your chatbot will now introduce a delay before executing the next message or action, improving readability and engagement.
Upgrading to Use Time Delay in Keyword & Default Actions
If you attempt to use an advanced chatbot (including Time Delay) as a Keyword Action or Default Action on a regular plan, you will see an upgrade prompt. To enable this feature:
Upgrade to the Pro or Business Plan.
After upgrading, you can use time-delayed chatbots in Keyword or Default Actions without restrictions. By incorporating Time Delay nodes effectively, you can make chatbot interactions more user-friendly and dynamic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
What is the Time Delay feature in Wati's Chatbot Builder? → The Time Delay feature allows you to introduce a pause between chatbot messages or actions. This makes conversations feel more natural by spacing out responses instead of sending multiple messages at once.
Which Wati plans include the Time Delay feature? → The Time Delay feature is available only in the Pro and Business Plans. It is not accessible in the regular plan for Keyword Actions or Default Actions.
Can I use the Time Delay feature on a regular plan? → You can build and save chatbots with Time Delay nodes in the regular plan, but you cannot use them as Keyword Actions or Default Actions. A pop-up will prompt you to upgrade if you attempt to do so.
Functionality & Usage
Why should I use the Time Delay node in my chatbot? → The Time Delay node helps:
Prevent overwhelming users with too many messages at once.
Improve engagement by making conversations feel more natural.
Space out notifications or updates over time.
How do I add a Time Delay to my chatbot? → Follow these steps:
Open the Chatbot Builder under Automation ⤑ Chatbot.
Open an existing chatbot or create a new one.
Select the Time Delay node from the left panel.
Drag and place it between the chatbot messages or actions that should be delayed.
Click the ⋮ (three-dot icon) on the node and select Edit.
Set the desired time delay (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.).
Click Save to apply the changes.
How does the Time Delay node work in a chatbot conversation? → When placed between two chatbot messages, the Time Delay node ensures a pause before the next message is sent. This makes the interaction feel more conversational instead of overwhelming users with multiple messages at once.
Plan Upgrades & Restrictions
What happens if I try to use Time Delay in a Keyword or Default Action on a regular plan? → If you attempt to use an advanced chatbot (including Time Delay) as a Keyword Action or Default Action on a regular plan, you will see a pop-up prompting you to upgrade.
How can I enable the Time Delay feature for Keyword & Default Actions? → To use the Time Delay feature in Keyword or Default Actions:
Upgrade your plan to Pro or Business.
After upgrading, you can freely use time-delayed chatbots without restrictions.
Will my existing chatbots with Time Delay nodes work after upgrading? → Yes, once you upgrade to a Pro or Business plan, any previously built chatbots with Time Delay nodes can be used without limitations.